Aryden James Kusler

Aryden (also known as “A.J.”, “Jim”, or “Happy”) passed away peacefully in his sleep at Community Hospital after a long illness. He was born in North Dakota to Henry and Loretta Kusler. After graduation from high school, he moved to Seattle, Washington where he entered the Army Air Force during WWII. After an honorable discharge, he went to school to become an automotive electrician. During this period, he was in construction working on the large earth-moving equipment used to build bridges and dams. Later, he became a real estate broker, which he enjoyed until his retirement, and then moved to Pacific Grove.

He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Edna; his daughter, Cheryl McCarty (Clarke); his daughter, Roberta Cobb, seven grandchildren: Kimberly Cobb Shield, Jason Cobb, Michelle Shebley, Karie McCarty Leist, Jana McCarty, and Mark and Matthew Kusler; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Forhan (Bill); his brother, Clifford (Caroline); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his only son, Jim, earlier this year; also his parents; his sister, Elaine Wachter; his brother, Timothy; and his son-in-law, Steve Cobb.

He enjoyed family get-togethers, traveling, camping, boating, water-skiing, reading adventure stories; and his hobby of palm reading, which was very popular among family and friends.

The family would like to express special thanks to his wonderful doctors and the entire nursing staff at Community Hospital for his exemplary care during his many hospitalizations.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at The Paul’s Mortuary in Pacific Grove.